Model B 4 cyl counter weight removal????

[old buicks]

How do I remove the counter weights on the crankshaft so we can grind the crank mains and rods??????

[trimacar]

I know on Packards the counterweights had drilled holes, the weights were attached with bolts or machine screws all inside the drilled hole, then the hole was plugged with metal.  Look on your counterweights and see if there are any slightly mismatched circles of metal.  If so, then you have to drill out the plug to get to the attaching device.

 

Messing with counterweights can be a real issue.  I know of people who've just ground the part of the crank you can get to with counterweight still on, then modified the rod bearing to match what's been ground.  Sometime a modified grinding wheel has to be made to do this. 

 

Either way, it's a pain.....

[motoringicons]

As you are probably aware, the are three variants of the Model B Crankshaft. The non-counter weighted version, the one that is built with counterweights and the version with swedged-on counterweights. I have attached photos of the counter weighted version ( in black, laying on a blue cloth)  and the swedged-on counterweighted version (in bare metal on a stand)  I assume the swedged-on counterbalanced crankshaft is the one you are referring to.

     To answer your question: Yes!!! it is a major job to get these counterweights off, I really don't know of anyone who has done this successfully. (They don't come off as easy as the Packard weights-I can tell you this from experience!! These are pressed on and were not made to be removed, not bolted on.)

    I would do one of two things: find a good non-swedged counter balanced crank (like the black one in the photos) or buy one of the new counter weighted crankshafts from Scat or one of the other Model A or B crankshaft suppliers. 

Here is a link to the Scat/Vintage Ford Catalog:

http://scatenterprises.com/docs/vintage-ford-pdf.html

http://issuu.com/scatenterprises/docs/vintage_clean/2?e=0

 

 

Edited April 13, 2016 by motoringicons (see edit history)